How Fast Is Rifle Bullet (5.56)?

The 5.56×45mm NATO round travels at 990 m/s — the standard military rifle round used by NATO forces since 1980. It tumbles on impact, transferring all its energy into the target rather than passing through cleanly.

The 5.56 round was originally designed for varmint hunting before being adopted as the NATO standard military cartridge.

• Mach 2.9
• Tumbles on impact for maximum effect